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Film Review: 'Rock The Kasbah'

Ani Mosinyan |
October 27, 2015 | 8:19 p.m. PDT

Bill Murray in "Rock the Kasbah" (QED International)
Bill Murray in "Rock the Kasbah" (QED International)
If Bill Murray is in the picture, get ready for some dry humor and smart talk. 

“Rock the Kasbah,” a comedy-drama directed by Barry Levinson, is about a washed up music manager who tries to turn a talented Afghan girl into the next pop star of Afghanistan’s version of "American Idol." The film is guaranteed to make you burst out laughing at what may be rather inappropriate moments, and is sure to make you appreciate The Man Murray, if you don’t already. 

The movie begins in an old apartment “studio” Van Nuys, California, with Richie Lanz (Bill Murray) failing miserably at finding the next Celine Dion of the generation. Somehow, some way, he’s convinced to take his remaining client, Ronnie (Zooey Deschanel) on a music tour through Afghanistan. When Ronnie leaves Richie stranded in Afghanistan, taking his passport and his wallet, he discovers a talented singer, Salima Khan (Leem Lubany) in a small village and decides to become her manager as she battles her way to become the next winner of "Afghan Star." 

Murray always delivers. His sharp wit and straight face make for loads of giggling, not to mention his brilliant sarcasm, which seems to come out at all the wrong (read: right) moments. If there’s any reason to go watch this film, it’s because Murray is in it. In fact, it may be the only reason to watch this film.

The plot could use a little more pizzazz. At times it seemed like the story was headed nowhere and Richie was going to stay in Kabul forever. Watching Richie and Ronnie attempt to blend in in a foreign country at a time of war was definitely amusing - as well as watching Richie try to stay alive amidst the exploding cars and numerous shootings. 

After a while, however, the storyline began to fall flat and lose its luster. How and when are they going to turn this young girl into Afghanistan’s first female pop singer? Is Richie ever getting out of Kabul? And just how serious is this movie going to get? Because, frankly, if Murray is going to play anyone in a movie, it’s gotta be some guy with a sarcastic smile and a sad, slightly pathetic life story to boot. The country is in the middle of a war, there are armed men in practically every scene, and Richie is walking around trying to make deals with every man pointing a gun to his head. Things aren’t looking too good. 

Overall, the film is light, simple and entertaining. Don’t expect character depth or an Oscar-worthy script, and you’ll be satisfied. As Richie says, “It’s only Rock 'n Roll, baby.”

Reach Staff Reporter Ani Mosinyan here. Follow her on Twitter.



 

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